Ricotta Toast w/ Pear, Honey & Black Pepper

I absolutely love trying different fruit and cheese pairings. One of my favorite fruits to have with cheese is pear (and one of my absolute favorite cheeses to have with pear is manchego cheese). I grew up eating “Asian pears” which are sweet, refreshing, and a little crisper in texture than some of the other varieties – almost like a hybrid between an apple and a pear. In my family, those other pears were “mushy and not as yummy,” so I never really tried any other type of pear. Anyways, one Christmas season, my dad received a Harry & David gift basket from a patient, and I decided to try this inferior pear. My world was changed that day as I realized how delicious it was and what I had been missing out on. Not to get all deep or anything, but it’s one of those silly things that taught me a little life nugget: don’t be so constrained by the limits of what you know and are used to; don’t be scared to explore the unknown, to try things for yourself and to find your own adventures, to try that bosc pear, if you will!

This ricotta toast is topped with bosc pear (but you can use any variety you’d like- maybe be adventurous and try one you’ve never tried before), honey, and black pepper. The fruity sweetness of the pear is wonderful with the creamy ricotta, the honey adds a slightly floral sweetness, and the black pepper gives it the perfect surprise kick of spice and flavor. Please don’t skip the black pepper! I know it’s kind of weird, but trust me, it works so well together and makes it interesting and fun!

So yes, I want you to try this toast because it’s really delicious, delightful if I may, but what I really want is for you to take a step (even just a half step if needed) outside of what you’re comfortable with. You’ll be amazed at the things you can discover, the ways you can grow, and the new possibilities you never knew even existed!